This past September I had the esteemed pleasure to be a panelist at the Medical Tourism Association's annual conference the "World Medical Tourism Congress". Thousands of medical, travel, and health professionals were on hand to learn more and network in the field of medical tourism. This past January I contacted the MTA to find out if they had interest in a panel to learn about the participatory action research I was conducting regarding the synergy of medical and scientific international cannabis law, the business of cannabis, and medical tourism. It was no surprise to me that after explaining the results of my research that I worked in conjunction with the MTA to create a stellar panel.As I walked the trade show floor with CHA training documents on cannabis​ the exhibitors were fascinated with the depth of knowledge that I was presenting. I had the opportunity to speak with professionals from all over the globe, sometimes through translators, and with the exception of very few, interest was very high despite an extreme lack of knowledge on the topic. I made it a point to promote the panel to everyone I spoke with the first day of the conference and to my surprise we had almost a full house of professionals interested in the panel. It was an honor to share the panel with a drug rehabilitation expert and cannabis testing laboratory owner and explain the topic of marijuana and hemp. To no surprise, everyone was blown away with the facts and data I was sharing. What I found the most exciting was the overall acceptance and desire to learn more. Most notable we had several PhD's connect with me after the panel to work on high level projects and the Director of Operations for a notable Native American tribe seek consulting for a full rollout to the nation.Here is a recap of the key points that I brought forth to the audience (full medical tourism reports are below):

Their is a clear shift in the world set to happen from opioids to cannabinoids for pain management (analgesics)​

Cancer studies affirming the benefits of cannabinoids for chemotherapy, the destruction of cancer cells and tumor genesis are being endorsed by the National Cancer Institute.

Cannabinoids are being widely touted as a treatment for drug addiction, most notable of which is cannabidiol (CBD).

Domestic cannabis tourism has been explosive with people travelling all over America to get access to marijuana lawfully.

CBD hemp oil is a lawful product that can be dispensed in all 50 states and 40 countries worldwide giving access to a vital nutrient in nutritional wellness practices willing to recommend.

Governmental exemptions for medical and scientific cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and transport exist for all companies willing to explore the opportunity.

Companies without a medical cannabis strategy are leaving behind opportunities that can put them in a position to benefit from changes in worldwide cannabis law, donations from wealthy families, and private capital investment.

Colorado citizens voted to pass Amendment 20 in 2000 opening the door for an influx of new legal medical marijuana dispensaries. Over the past several years, the Colorado medical marijuana industry has become the fastest growing industry in the state. It was reported in 2010 that the number of Denver dispensaries has grown to outnumber the number of Starbucks in the city.

Are stethoscopes really needed? You're eventually going to run into this question at some point, especially if you're a doctor with your own clinic. However, if you're a doctor working at a hospital or an a nurse who works in a specialty like cardiology you're going to have moments you wish you had quick access for ausculation. Even though ultrasound is vital for diagnosis, stethoscopes should be viewed upon as diagnostic tools that direct traffic to the right diagnosis rather than the primary tool for diagnosis. Using a stethoscopes is always good practice!